Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) has successfully sealed a strategic partnership with Coventry University United Kingdom (CU-UK). The collaboration between these two higher learning institutions will drive the development of online learning module and e-laboratory in the field of advanced automotive technology. The partnership will also establish the foundation for joint-research in electrical vehicle (EV) and autonomous vehicle (AV).
According to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) of UiTM, Prof. Dr Mohd Nazip Suratman, the partnership will play a pivotal role in positioning UiTM as one of the Globally Renowned University which is in line with the objective of the recently launched UiTM Strategic Plan 2025.
Plans that reflect the goals of this partnership are already in the pipeline. Chief among them is the implementation of online learning module in automotive design and engineering simulation. Additionally, both institutions will work closely to set up Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) laboratory that is crucial for hands-on learning in the area of automotive design and engineering. These components of the partnership will open the doors for learning on a global scale for students and lecturers from both institutions.
“Through this strategic partnership, UiTM and CU-UK will play their part in the research of e-mobility vehicle with low carbon emission, especially electric vehicle and autonomous vehicle. This is an exciting time to realise a cleaner and greener environment that is in the spirit of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG),” said Prof. Dr Mohd Nazip who signed the MoU on behalf of UiTM’s Vice Chancellor (Emeritus Professor Datuk Ir. Dr Mohd Azraai Kasim). CU-UK was represented by its Pro-Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kai Peters. The MoU ceremony took place at Alan Berry Building, Coventry University last Monday.
Prof. Kai Peters commented that the partnership could not have materialised at a better time. “This partnership can contribute significantly to the growth of expertise and resources that are integral to high-quality education. At the same time, we have to ensure that quality education runs upon 21st-century knowledge that is relevant to Industrial Revolution 4.0,” added Prof. Kai Peters.
He also emphasised proactive steps to make the partnership a success, such as organising student exchange program, mobilising of students and institution employees, training program and entrepreneurship activities. Another avenue to drive the success of the partnership will be the development of academic program based on online learning and virtual reality.
Prof. Dr Mohd Nazip applauded Prof. Kai Peters’ comments as CU-UK and UiTM share a similar historical trait. Both institutions began as a polytechnic with a sole focus on fundamental teaching and learning before awarded with the status of a full-fledged university. At present, CU-UK is not only known for its exceptional teaching and learning practice. The institution has also gained a reputation for its holistic research program that is in tune with the industries’ needs and high-impact commercial activities.
Finally, Prof. Dr Mohd Nazip commented that UiTM will apply the lessons that they have learned from CU-UK’s transformation plan to fine-tune the UiTM Strategic Plan 2025.